Otters Club, Zepto Store Face FDA Action In Mumbai | Maharashtra Food Safety Crackdown Intensifies

Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration, led by Tukaram Mundhe, has intensified its crackdown on food-safety and hygiene violations across the state. The FDA has suspended the licences of six hotels, restaurants and other food establishments in Mumbai, with Otters Club in Bandra and a Zepto dark store in Chembur among those facing action. Inspectors reportedly found multiple hygiene and food-safety shortcomings, including the use of analogue paneer at Otters Club, which has recently been prohibited in Maharashtra. Prince of Wales Restaurant in Khar, Café Sifarish in Andheri East and Daily Fresh Bakers & Cakes in Dahisar are also facing action. The crackdown has received backing from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while the FDA has separately issued notices to Bollywood stars Ajay Devgn, Shah Rukh Khan and Tiger Shroff over a Vimal Elaichi advertisement, alleging misleading or surrogate advertising. FDA chief Tukaram Mundhe has warned of legal action if the responses are unsatisfactory. However, the crackdown has also faced a legal setback, with the Bombay High Court directing the FDA to pay ₹5 lakh to a Pune sweets shop after its food licence was suspended despite a re-inspection report showing 98% compliance with safety norms. Watch the full story for the latest developments in Maharashtra’s food-safety crackdown.